Victorian Minister for Health Infrastructure, Mary-Anne Thomas, today turned the first sod on a new $134.6 million public residential aged care facility – making the start of construction on a project which she says will ensure residents get the high-quality aged care and comfort they need and deserve, close to home.
Located in Cheltenham, the new four-storey facility will provide an environment that is dementia-friendly and better suited to supporting mental health and the complex care needs of older Victorians, the Minister (pictured) said.
“We’re ensuring residents receive the best care in a home-like environment – with private bedrooms and bathrooms and green space,” said Ms Thomas.
She said the facility has been purposefully designed to support mobility and independence while feeling like a home – with all residents having their own room and private ensuite bathroom.
To further create a safe, comfortable and home-like feel for residents, rooms will also be grouped into small households within the facility with separate kitchen and dining areas, she said.
The facility will also feature a community room, sacred space and other common areas for residents to enjoy.
Designed to make the most of the surrounding natural environment, residents will have open area views, an abundance of natural light, and access to terraces and gardens.
The facility will also feature a ‘pandemic mode’ ventilation and air-conditioning system which, when needed, will help to contain the spread of infectious diseases – with the ability to replace the air in the building.
Built onsite at the existing Kingston Centre, the multi-storey facility will replace the former AG Eastwood residential aged care facility. The location means residents will have easy access to a broad range of integrated healthcare already offered at the Kingston Centre.
The project is on track for completion in 2025.
